Video doorbells boost home safety while also making it easy to chat directly with folks at your door!
The latest video doorbells offer the best of technology where you can see, communicate, record, and playback all activities happening at your doorstep every minute.
With a video doorbell, you won’t miss a single moment of what’s happening outside your home, even in your absence. Besides, you ensure that your loved ones are protected at all times. Arrivals or deliveries will never be missed either.
What to look for in a Video Doorbell
Waterproof Rating
Generally, video doorbell transmitters can face extreme weather ranging from severe cold, to heat, to pouring rain. You need to consider waterproofing when shopping for such a device as the transmitter is going to be installed outside. You should also consider dustproof and weather-resistant products in the same category.
Video
Video on a video doorbell is a great feature if you need to secure your home, you have kids or grandparents, or you keep valuable things locked away.
Having video at the door is becoming popular all over the world as crime rates are on the increase. When choosing the video camera for this device, you should select something with infrared because this makes it work during the night too.
Wired vs Battery Powered
The ideal doorbell should have both as, during extreme weather, if electricity is cut off, the battery backup will continue to work. And you want to be more alert when the power supply fails. So, wired as well as battery-powered are the best way to go. Battery life comes into the picture at this time too. So, before selecting the doorbell, see how long it can continue functioning in the absence of a stable power supply.
Chime Options & Volume Adjustment
Before deciding on a video doorbell, you should consider the average noise level in your home and surrounding area. The size and layout of your home or office are also important as you may need louder chimes to draw your attention.
Regarding chime options, you should check if custom chimes can be added, as some products let you download audio files that you can use for your door. Some doorbells come with a mute option and a timer. Such products are very useful when you want to turn off the doorbell during the night. Instead of turning it off and on, timers perform these tasks automatically.
LED Indicators for Silent Alert
If you have older people around or people with a hearing deficiency, you must consider doorbells with LED because they catch their visual attention.
This feature is extremely useful if someone pings you when you have babies sleeping too.
It’s also an ideal solution for those who are constantly busy with meetings and need to put their phones and doorbells on silent but still receive alerts.
Wireless Range
Depending on the place you want to install the doorbell, range may be an issue.
It’s best to select a device with a slightly longer range than what you need. When manufacturers say a product has a range of 1000 feet, this is based on ideal test conditions.
Generally, that is not the case in real life as nobody can install a doorbell in true open space in their home. Therefore, if you have a distance of 100 feet then you should aim for a video doorbell with a 150 foot range.
Installation
Generally, the simpler the video doorbell, the easier is the installation. The latest doorbells come with an installation guide and even provide installation customer support. When it comes to doorbells with video cameras and doorbells compatible with other devices such as smartphones or tablets, perhaps Alexa, double-check that the doorbell you’re purchasing supports your devices.
Though technology today is typically Plug and Play, some manufacturers don’t make things this easy, so choose something that is not a hassle to put on the wall and connect with other devices, especially if you’re not that tech-savvy.
Smart Home Integration
Smart Home Integration of a video doorbell depends on the security policy of your home or office. Some people like everything connected. Some are afraid of a security breach.
If you have the technical know-how and you can connect all your devices, then say yes to Smart Home Integration. This enables you to control multiple gadgets from just one app and gives you the power to manage them from only one device.
You should also consider which app best suits your needs as there may be many of them available out there.
Questions You Might Have About Video Doorbells
How to install a video doorbell?
The method to install a video doorbell differs from manufacturer to manufacturer. You should refer to the user manual for installation.
In general, all the doorbells have certain standard procedures irrespective of the installation process. Decide on the place where you want to put the transmitter. If you are expecting kids or shorter people, then at what height do you want to put the transmitter?
Consider this. If you are installing a video doorbell with a camera, then you need to ensure the camera is fitted at the right height and the right angle.
Some video doorbells need to be wired, either into the existing doorbell wiring, or need a PoE connect. Others are battery powered and communicate over 5GHz Wi-Fi.
Is it possible to have a video doorbell extra loud?
Generally, every video doorbell can be adjusted for loudness. Before purchasing such a doorbell, check the dB mentioned on the product, since if you have set the dB on the highest and you’re still not satisfied with the sound, then you’ll have to replace the entire device.
Usually, the loudness of a sound depends on the size and capacity of the speaker installed in the receiver. So, beyond the capacity of the chime, the loudness cannot be increased. It can always go down, though.